Lampard became the fourth player to sign for New York City FC, the MLS' 20th expansion franchise, and insisted the switch was not a gamble despite joining a new club in a still-emerging league.

"What professional move doesn't have risk with it?" Lampard added.

"It's not a risk. It's a challenge. I can be in the middle of that challenge.

"I want to make New York City a team that New Yorkers are proud of. And I will do my best to do that."

Lampard made 649 appearances for Chelsea, scoring a club record 211 goals, since signing from West Ham in 2001.

Frank Lampard is presented as a New York City FC player
He signed a one-year contract extension with the Blues in May 2013 after mulling over a move to Los Angeles Galaxy, who he will now play in opposition from next spring.

Lampard, who won every club trophy on offer with Chelsea, added: "Why not choose New York City? It's a very exciting challenge for me in life terms.

"I've seen the vision, a real long-term plan and I wanted to be part of that. I want to test myself, I want to carry on challenging myself, I want to be that leader, and not just on the pitch, but someone off the pitch.

"I had a fantastic 13 years at Chelsea, I can look back at that with immense pride.